The second test was a trace metals analysis conducted by Dr. William Walsh at the
HRI & Pfeiffer Research Center in Naperville, Illinois. This test will reveal the
presence of any trace heavy metals. The following results of this test were announced
by Dr. Walsh on Tuesday, October 17:

High lead concentrations in Beethoven's hair were found in independent analyses by
McCrone Research Institute & Argonne National Laboratory. This is evidence that Beethoven
had plumbism (lead poisoning) which may have caused his life-long illnesses, impacted
his personality, and possibly contributed to his death.

Distinctive trace-metal patterns associated with genius, irritability, glucose disorders,
and malabsorption were not present in the Beethoven samples tested by McCrone Research
Institute.

Very low (undetectable) mercury levels were reported independently by McCrone Research
Institute and Argonne National Laboratory. These results provide no evidence that
Beethoven received medical treatment for syphilis, usually treated in the 1820's with
mercury compounds. This supports the consensus of Beethoven scholars who believe that
Beethoven never had syphilis. Rumors that Beethoven suffered from syphilis have been
discounted in all serious musicological literature for the last thirty years.